Friday, February 16, 2007

Booming economy “backfiring” on Vietnamese women

Women’s E News reported Thursday that Vietnam’s economic boom has not translated into gains for women. According to the piece:

“A month after a booming Vietnam joined the WTO, a U.N. committee flags violations of women’s rights, especially in rural areas. Democracy activist plan to broadcast the findings in underground media and lobby Vietnam’s trade partners.”

CEDAW expressed concerns over trafficking and HIV-AIDS, along with unsafe working conditions in textile and garment factories, where women make up the majority of the workforce. Rural women and ethnic minorities suffer the most, particularly from poverty.